Chief Administrative Officer

Located in the heart of Ontario’s most populous region, the Golden Horseshoe, Haldimand County is a picturesque and growing municipality spanning 1,251 square kilometres of rural landscape, including 83 kilometres of Lake Erie shoreline, scenic riverfronts, and expansive trails. Its strategic location just south of the GTA offers the best of both worlds — a welcoming small-town atmosphere with easy access to major urban centres.
The County is home to vibrant communities like Caledonia, Dunnville, Hagersville, and Jarvis, each offering unique character and a welcoming spirit. Residents enjoy the calm of countryside commutes, recreation opportunities for all ages, a diversified economy, and a lifestyle grounded in connection and simplicity. With year-round events, access to nature, and a thriving local economy, Haldimand is not only a great place to live, it’s a place to truly belong.
As a single-tier municipality, Haldimand County delivers a broad range of services that support residents, businesses, and visitors. From maintaining infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water systems, and recreational facilities to providing land use planning, emergency services, libraries, museums, and a municipally operated long-term care home, the County plays a vital role in the daily lives of its citizens. With over 600 dedicated employees and a combined 2025 operating and capital budget exceeding $170 million, the organization is focused on service excellence, continuous improvement, and fiscal responsibility. While health and social services are delivered regionally through Grand Erie Public Health and other partners, Haldimand County remains committed to collaborative, community-oriented governance, making it an exciting and rewarding environment for municipal professionals ready to make a lasting impact in a close-knit, forward-looking community.
Inspire our Future as our Chief Administrative Officer
The ideal candidate is an inspiring, collaborative, and principled leader with a proven track record in municipal government or a comparable complex organization. With strong political acumen, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to service excellence, you excel at building partnerships, engaging employees, and driving strategic results.
Reporting to the Mayor and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides visionary leadership and oversees the efficient delivery of all County services. As Council’s key advisor, you will lead the development and implementation of operational plans and ensure alignment with Council’s strategic priorities. You are a forward-thinking leader who brings sound judgment, innovation, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility to every recommendation and initiative.
You will lead a dedicated team of professionals in a multi-functional, unionized environment, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, innovation, and high performance. At Haldimand County, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact — shaping the future of a growing municipality while building strong relationships within the community. The County offers a competitive total rewards package, including comprehensive benefits, generous vacation, and a strong commitment to work-life balance.
How to Apply
To explore this opportunity, please apply via email with a covering letter and resume by August 11, 2025 or sooner to careers@waterhousesearch.netquoting project HC-CAO.
Should you wish to speak to our Executive Recruiter or to receive a detailed position description please contact Amy Oliveira at 416-214-9299 x4, amy@waterhousesearch.net, or Jon Stungevicius at 416-214-9299 x1, jon@waterhousesearch.net.
All applications will be held in strict confidence. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment assessment purposes only.